POLOKWANE – With millions expected to gather in Moria for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and St Engenas ZCC pilgrimages, Limpopo is rolling out a multi-departmental safety operations to manage traffic, ensure road safety and respond to emergencies during one of the busiest weekends of the year.

Traffic volumes on roads leading into Limpopo have already increased and are expected to rise sharply from this afternoon and into the evening.

Transport Department gears up for busy roads

The Limpopo Department of Transport confirmed that law enforcement officers have already been deployed at key points to manage congestion and monitor compliance.

Spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said strategic deployments have been made along major routes and critical intersections. “Be prepared for heavy and slow-moving traffic on some of these roads,” she said.

Motorists are urged to drive cautiously on the following high-traffic roads:
N1, N11, R101, R81, R71, R579, R37, R36, R40, R528, R574, R516, R521, D4040, D19, D4, R524 and R523.

Chuene emphasised the importance of trip planning and road safety, offering these tips:

• Take regular breaks every two hours or 200km to avoid fatigue

• Drive during daylight hours when possible

• Always buckle up, obey speed limits and avoid overtaking on barrier lines

“Let’s work together towards Every Day Without A Road Death. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” she said.

Province-wide readiness operations in full swing

The provincial government extended a warm welcome to all visitors this weekend with Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba calling on road users to prioritise caution and cooperation.

“Let us work together to make our roads safer for everyone. Every journey, no matter how short, requires our full attention and caution. I urge all road users to prioritise road safety, and let us make this long Easter weekend a safe and enjoyable one for all,” she said.

Provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela reiterated that law enforcement officers will be strategically deployed to manage traffic flow, curb traffic violations and ensure road safety.

He said efforts between April 16 and 22 will focus on:

• Pedestrian safety

• Drunken driving

• Vehicle and driver fitness

• Speed management

• Public transport compliance

“Fatigue is a silent killer – road users are advised to take regular breaks and always buckle up. Stay within speed limits and avoid overtaking on barrier lines. To pedestrians, cross the road when it is safe to do so, wear bright coloured clothes and don’t drink and cross the road,” he added.

You might also want to read: Putco rolls out 500 buses for ZCC’s Easter return to Moria

EMS and health services on alert

Meanwhile, the Limpopo Department of Health has activated emergency readiness across the province.

MEC Dieketseng Mashego will today, visit the Evelyn Lekganyane Clinic and Mankweng Hospital to assess emergency preparedness.

Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said these two facilities are expected to play a crucial role in responding to healthcare needs over the busy holiday period in anticipation of the two ZCC’s pilgrimages.

“The Department anticipates increased movement of people across the province during the Easter period, which historically sees a rise in road traffic accidents and other medical emergencies. In response, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel will be strategically deployed along major routes, including the N1, N11, R81, and R71, to enable faster emergency response and save lives,” he said.

Mashego also reiterated the call for motorists to respect the rules of the road.

“Avoid drinking and driving and respect all road rules to minimise preventable accidents and fatalities. I encourage road users who will be travelling long distances to also prioritise health checks prior to embarking on their trips,” she said.

Mashego added that the province’s health system is prepared but that prevention starts with responsible choices.

Polokwane Municipality welcomes visitors

The Mayor of Polokwane John Mpe said the municipality is not only prepared for one of the busiest weekends of the year but it also resolute in their commitment to provide safety, order and hospitality to visitors.

He added that this year’s Easter weekend is unique and historic.

“ZCC’s return marks a spiritual renewal and we extend our warmest greetings to both churches and their millions of congregants. We wish them peaceful and blessed pilgrimages.”

Mpe announced on Wednesday, the launch of the joint Tourism Safety Roadside Awareness Programme with the Department of Transport and Community Safety, LEDET and the Limpopo Tourism Agency.

“This is our proactive commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all travellers entering Polokwane via the N1. As vehicles make their way into our city, traffic personnel are responsibly stopping selected vehicles, allowing our tourism officials to welcome travellers and distribute informative tourism material. The objective is simple yet powerful, to promote tourism, highlight the experiences that Polokwane offers and empower our visitors with information that enhances their stay while stimulating our local economy,” he said.

He added that traffic officials have been stategically deployed along major routes such as the N1, R71 and R81 and the establishment of roadblocks and checkpoints, as well as the mobilisation of emergency response services will ensure swift action where needed.

“Our traffic infrastructure is being supported with additional signage, barrier placements and real-time traffic monitoring. These measures are not merely symbolic — they are practical steps aimed at ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors throughout the Easter period,” he said. Law enforcement officers have been deployed across Limpopo as traffic builds up this Easter weekend with motorists urged to obey the rules of the road.

Bakwena patrols ready to assist on N1 

To ensure smooth travel, Bakwena has suspended most roadworks along its toll routes except for a single-lane closure on the N4 near Brits Plaza.

https://twitter.com/BakwenaN1N4/status/1912755432633860513

Bakwena, who is responsible for managing and maintaining road infrastructure along the N1 and N4 routes, said they have enhanced road safety measures to ensure safer roads for all this Easter.

They have also encouraged motorists to take note of expected periods of peak congestion over the long weekend:

https://twitter.com/BakwenaN1N4/status/1912162746013004127

In addition, six brand-new Renault Captur patrol vehicles equipped with tracking technology will assist with visible policing, incident response and motorist support along the N1N4 corridor.

Traffic volumes are expected to increase again on Monday as travelers return home.